San Diego to Moab driving time question

Anybody drive straight through from SD to Moab? I have never done it before but I am guessing 15 hrs +- including stops for meals, gas, etc. We are going next week and I just wanted some feed back. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's a great trip and really not a bad drive (so long as you miss traffic from Vegas home). I do it every year in October and it almost always takes 12-13 hours from San Diego. I usually hit the road at 5am to beat Inland Empire traffic, then it's pretty smooth sailing from there. I get through Vegas then stop at one of the last exits for gas and snack then keep rolling. From there, a good next stop for lunch is St. George. From there, you can make a stop or two to take in scenery and stretch out your legs and you will get to Moab by dinner time.

Speed limits are 75mph most of the way, so there is really no need to speed. Be sure to slow way down going through the occasional small town. if you can, avoid coming home on Sunday because of extra traffic from Las Vegas. The 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas can easily turn into 8 if you try to make that drive on a busy Sunday.

I'm thinking of going to moab in April and just started to plan my trip. This post came at a perfect time! Thanks! =)

I was hearing 18hr drive.. and thought I'd take 2 days.. but if it's only 12-13, that would be cake!

Where is a good place to stay in moab? I'm thinking I'd be there 4-5 days and like to pay less than $70 per night.. I'm looking at the Moab Valley RV Resort's cabins and Red Stone Inn.. If you guys know of a better place/value, let me know?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by NoShirt

It's a great trip and really not a bad drive (so long as you miss traffic from Vegas home). I do it every year in October and it almost always takes 12-13 hours from San Diego. I usually hit the road at 5am to beat Inland Empire traffic, then it's pretty smooth sailing from there. I get through Vegas then stop at one of the last exits for gas and snack then keep rolling. From there, a good next stop for lunch is St. George. From there, you can make a stop or two to take in scenery and stretch out your legs and you will get to Moab by dinner time.

Speed limits are 75mph most of the way, so there is really no need to speed. Be sure to slow way down going through the occasional small town. if you can, avoid coming home on Sunday because of extra traffic from Las Vegas. The 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas can easily turn into 8 if you try to make that drive on a busy Sunday.

That's great info. I second your advice about slowing down for the small towns. I've heard a few really credible stories about radar traps in southern Utah, and have my own experiences. If you are pushing it, back off before you get to town, even on the freeway. If you can just keep moving at the max, and keep the pit stops few and short, you maintain a high overall average speed.

If you like flowy single track, at trip to Fruita is definitely worth it while you are in Moab.

I've driven 10 mph over the speed limit on the Interstate in Utah and not gotten a ticket. But on a side road had a car pass me going maybe 5 mph over the limit, he was pulled over a couple of miles down the road, so be careful.

One of the better deals is the Holiday Inn Express just outside of downtown on Highway 191 as you come in to town. See if there are any discounted rates available (AAA) or shop it on one of the discount sites (Travelocity, etc). They have nice clean rooms, indoor pool/hot tub, free breakfast, WiFi and are bike friendly with a bike room with a few tools/storage. It is close to pedal to Poison Spider Bike Shop to pick up a shuttle ride and not too far from some good restaurants on that side of town.

It's 12 hours from SD with 1 quick stop in Vegas but the traffic between LA and Vegas can really add at least 2 hours
If you want to split the drive, it's worth stop and ride in St george (gooseberry mesa)
I organised a bike trip for some people from Europe in early April.
On the cheap side,Canyonlands campground is nice, you can also camp by the slickrock for much less but it's first come first serve. There's plenty of hotel but it's the high season there so you should make a reservation.. have fun